Pure Linoleate Deficiency in the Rat: Influence on Growth, Accumulation of N-6 Polyunsaturates, and [1-14C]Linoleate Oxidation

The study investigated the effects of pure linoleate deficiency in rats, focusing on growth and metabolism of n-6 polyunsaturates. Over 84 days, linoleate-deficient rats showed 15% less weight gain, mild scaling on paws, and some hair loss compared to controls. The deficiency led to a significant increase in the eicosatrienoate to arachidonate ratio in liver and serum phospholipids. Linoleate-deficient rats had a net loss of 479 mg n-6 polyunsaturates, while controls gained 7206 mg. Additionally, linoleate-deficient rats oxidized only 1% of [1-14C]linoleate compared to 34% in controls. The study concluded that linoleate deficiency significantly affected n-6 polyunsaturate accumulation but caused milder symptoms than general essential fatty acid deficiency, with alpha-linolenate and oleate potentially reducing linoleate oxidation from body stores.